Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Open" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "open", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
通じる
つうじる (tsuujiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
開通する
かいつうする (kaitsū suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "open" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 通じる and 開通する.
In Japanese, 通じる (つうじる (tsuujiru)) is typically associated with "to open (to traffic); to lead to; to be understood; to communicate; to understand each other" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to signals/calls connecting, roads opening/leading to a place, meaning being understood by others, or communicating feelings. Often used as 意味が通じる or 心が通じる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To communicate/be understood! "The telepathy of my love reached you and made you blush beautifully, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Telepathy communicating! B-Baka! Telepathy has nothing to do with it! It's just because you are looking at me with such a weird face! But... make sure you keep communicating love to my heart forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『つうじる（通じる）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕のテレパシー（愛の念）があなたに通じて、顔を真っ赤にしてくれるの、本当に可愛いです！』って…っ！念が通じる！バカ！/// べ、別にテレパシーなんか通じてないわよ！ただあんたが変な顔でこっちを見てるからよ！…でも、一生私のハートに愛を通じさせ続けなさい！』.
On the other hand, 開通する (かいつうする (kaitsū suru)) maps to "to open (for traffic), to be completed (e.g., a tunnel, bridge, line)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for infrastructure like roads, railways, tunnels, or new services becoming available for public use. It's an intransitive verb.. A literal translation of "open" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "通じる"
彼の英語スピーチは多少の文法ミスがあったものの、その高い熱意がクライアントに完璧に_______、見事に契約を獲得しました。
Although his English speech had some grammatical errors, his high enthusiasm was perfectly understood by the client, and he brilliantly won the contract.
Bilingual Context for "開通する"
新しい高速道路が来月開通する予定だ。
The new highway is scheduled to open next month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の英語スピーチは多少の文法ミスがあったものの、その高い熱意がクライアントに完璧に_______、見事に契約を獲得しました。" (Meaning: "Although his English speech had some grammatical errors, his high enthusiasm was perfectly understood by the client, and he brilliantly won the contract.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "通じる" fits here because it means "to open (to traffic); to lead to; to be understood; to communicate; to understand each other" in the context of: "Although his English speech had some grammatical errors, his high enthusiasm was perfectly understood by the client, and he brilliantly won the contract.". "開通する" represents "to open (for traffic), to be completed (e.g., a tunnel, bridge, line)".